When the Lights Fade

Reposting an old story from 2021.

Prince Qi is naturally face-blind. His eyes can see, but he can't recognize people.

Young Guard Shen is loyal as a dog, but though he has a mouth, he doesn't know how to speak.

When Shen Tingyun was six, he saved the young prince's life. His family was then destroyed, and after many hardships he ended up in the prince's manor, where he served as the prince's dog for over a decade. He never dared reveal his identity to the prince, until he watched him marry someone else.

When Qi Shiyu was ten, he said he would marry the child who had saved his life. He searched for over a decade and finally got his wish, marrying that very person. On their wedding night, his new bride died before his eyes, and every clue pointed to Shen Tingyun, the trusted personal guard he relied on most...

Reader's guide:

1. A cliched, melodramatic story about two people who love each other but put each other through hell, with a beloved's false replacement. Face-blind top x loyal bottom. The first half is angsty for the bottom, and the second half for the top. The one thing the author can guarantee is a happy ending.

2. Not recommended for readers who are devoted to either lead, readers who like sweet stories, or readers who need emotional purity.

3. The top is not a virgin. Top gets angst: yes. Bottom gets angst: yes. Love triangle: yes. Replacement: yes, but it doesn't take up much of the story.

Theme: Communicate properly when problems arise